Sometime we ask “How long oh Lord”. In such cases we have to wait, especially when it involves a world that says “There is no God”.
Psalms 13: How Long, O LORD? To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 14: The Fool Says, There Is No God To the choirmaster. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?
5 There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
Psalms 15: Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill? A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
Things to think about…
1. Psalm 13. Is a typical heart cry of anyone who has struggled with their lot. Especially when the lot is difficult. David asks “How long?” Often the answer is “As long as it takes to achieve the Lord’s purpose”. Note in Ps 13:2 David asks “How long must I take counsel in my soul?” Often this is the default setting. We take our own counsel and advice rather than what the Lord reveals to us in His word. Ps 119 speaks directly to this many times. A key verse being “Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light to my path”, Ps 119:105. Our Lord leads, we just need to listen. In the end David gets it, Ps 13:5,6 “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” This is true for all of us who trust in Christ for their salvation.
2. Psalm 14 echoes a lot of what was said in yesterday’s reading in Psalm 10 regarding the one who says there is no God. Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart ‘there is no God’ ”. He sure does. Who but the fool gambles with his soul by saying – ‘God, you’re not there’ as if speaking to thin air. Yet there they are. I once watched a video by Stephen Fry who blatantly showed his hatred towards the Lord. Understandable for a man who is committed to a homosexual, anti-God lifestyle. But why would you risk it? Eternity is a long time. In essence, what have you got to lose? Pride of course; and that is the issue with the fool. This Psalm is quoted by Paul in Romans 3:10-12. Paul says that this is the default setting for all who are under sin – that’s all of us. Praise God for His grace, as David states “God is with the generation of the righteous”, Ps 14:5.
3. Who are those who have the right to enjoy God’s presence? Psalm 15 tells us “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart”, Ps 15:2. Note that the heart is the issue. The heart is the seat of conscience. It doesn’t matter what we say or do, even though they usually reflect what goes on in the heart. But as Jeremiah tells us “The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it” Jer 17:9. We can still flatter or deceive, or be outwardly pious, but our Lord sees the heart. Let’s be honest with ourselves and always share and show our true selves. If our true self is not right, we should then pray for grace. The promise is “He who does these things shall never be moved.”, Ps 15:5.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon:-“You go girl - The daughters of Zelophehad” – Numbers 27:1-11.
a. What stood out about the character of these women. Do you remember the setting of their request?
b. Graham mentioned other women in the bible. Good and bad examples. Do you remember some of them.
c. Discuss the Lord’s response to Moses back to these women, Num 27:11. What does it show about God’s heart towards women.
d. Are there any lessons for our church in the way we are treating the women of CBC. What are we doing well, where are we falling short?
e. Pray for the events we have coming up.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for our community day on the Sat 24th June that all the organising and advertising can be done well to ensure a successful event.
2. Pray for the tragedy of the 10 who lost their lives in the Hunter Valley bus accident. May our Lord’s peace be over the Hunter Valley and the communities affected.
3. Pray for Jay as he speaks to Karalee State school about starting a Friday afternoon kids club.
4. Andy continues to make incredible improvements. It was also wonderful to see Sally on Sunday. What a sweetheart she is.
5. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
7. Pray for Kids@church and our Youth group.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful Sunday including Angie’s testimony and Graham’s sermon. Thankyou Lord!
2. New equipment is coming online at Church. New cameras and sound equipment.
3. Sunday was a great encouragement thankyou to all who served in the sound and worship. The worship team led by Paul did an amazing job.
4. Some new folk joined with us on Sunday.
5. Kids@Church ministry is a great blessing. Pray for Rosie and balancing her teaching, family and church worlds.
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Community Day Saturday 24th June at Church. At 1:00pm to 5pm ending with a bon fire. Please pray and invite.
2. Axiom 25th June “Challenging Cancel Culture” – 9:30am Sunday
3. Alpha Course starting on Wed 26th July – 6:30pm – invite non Christians to this course.
4. Friday afternoon kids klub – starting third term – 3 (3:30pm start) - 5:30pm.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for June...
Q. 9. Who is God? A. God is a Spirit, and does not have a body like men.
